This 101-year-old woman still goes to work 6 days a week and says retiring would kill her

For Ann Angeletti, the secret to longevity lies in loving what she does every single day.

Her passion for making jewelry has kept her energized, focused, and fulfilled well past her 100th birthday.

At 101, she still moves with purpose, creating beauty that shines as brightly as her spirit.

A lifetime of work and determination

Ann’s journey began in Brooklyn, where she left school at a young age to help her family run a grocery store.

Her father worked hard, selling ice door to door from a horse-drawn cart before refrigerators were even invented.

Those early experiences shaped her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility—values that carried her through every stage of life.

When her husband went off to fight in World War II, Ann rolled up her sleeves and went to work at the Navy Yard.

Later, she worked as a waitress, always determined to stay productive and independent. That drive eventually led her to the jewelry business.

In 1964, while driving through Cresskill, New Jersey, she spotted a small store for rent. Curious, she called the owner to ask about the price—it was $85 a month.

That’s how Curiosity Jewelry was born, and Ann has been running it ever since.

The secret to longevity in staying active

Today, Ann still operates her jewelry shop with the help of her daughter and granddaughter.

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On her sixth day, she heads to the Diamond District, per The Daily Mail.

Ann believes her continued work keeps her strong and engaged—a living example of active aging. She refuses to slow down.

“Don’t forget I’m a hundred,” Ann told ABC7.

For her, age is just a number. She feels that staying busy and connected gives her life meaning.

“If I retire, I would die,” she added.

Her words reflect her deep belief that purpose and routine are vital for long, healthy living.

Self-care as the secret to longevity

When people ask about her secret to long life, Ann’s answer is simple but powerful: take care of yourself.

She believes that daily habits make all the difference.

“Must get up, you must shower, you must eat, you must take care of yourself. You must exercise,” Ann said. “If you don’t like what you’re doing, then change.”

That mindset, she says, is the real foundation of self-care.

It’s not about expensive routines—it’s about showing up for yourself each day, staying active, and doing what you love. Ann’s routine keeps her body moving and her spirit high.

Experts agree that maintaining a structured and purposeful life in later life supports both mental and physical health.

Her purpose-driven lifestyle proves that fulfillment doesn’t have an age limit.

The science behind working longer

Ann’s story mirrors a growing trend across America.

More older adults are continuing to work past the traditional retirement age, finding that it brings both financial and emotional rewards.

According to the Center for Retirement Research, the average retirement age in 2024 was 64 for men and 62 for women.

A 15-year study using National Health Interview Survey data found that being unemployed or retiring after 65 was linked to the highest risk of poor health, even when accounting for smoking, obesity, and other factors.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reported that delaying retirement by just one year could reduce all-cause mortality by 9% to 11% over 18 years, no matter a person’s baseline health.

Harvard Health Publishing highlights that continuing to work can pay off in more ways than just income.

Older adults who stay in the workforce also tend to enjoy better physical health, especially those in part-time or high-quality roles, Investopedia noted.

Staying active at work can help maintain physical fitness, alleviate symptoms of depression, and support cognitive skills such as memory.

Beyond health, work provides structure, social connections, and a sense of purpose—essential elements for a higher quality of life.

A century of purpose and passion

Ann’s story isn’t just about hard work—it’s about heart.

Every week, she greets customers at her shop with warmth and care, helping them choose jewelry that marks life’s most special moments.

Her store, Curiosity Jewelry, has become more than a business; it’s a symbol of her enduring passion.

Even after so many years, she continues to learn, create, and share her craft with others. For Ann, jewelry-making is not just work—it’s a joy, a source of creativity, and a means of connection.

Her continued dedication shows how self-care and staying purpose-driven can nurture both body and soul.

Living proof of the secret to longevity

Ann Angeletti proves that the secret to longevity isn’t about avoiding age—it’s about embracing life fully.

Her active aging lifestyle keeps her mind sharp and her heart strong. Whether she’s polishing a gem or chatting with customers, her energy shines through every day.

She lives by a simple truth: keep moving, stay curious, and love what you do.

Her century-long story shows that a strong work ethic, daily self-care, and a purpose-driven life can add not only years to your life but also life to your years.

Watch Ann Angeletti share her inspiring secret to longevity in her Good Morning America feature and see how passion keeps her young at 101.